JOSA — Open Source Hackathon
Infrastructure For a Free Web
Build practical tools that make it easier for people to own their data, migrate away from platform lock-in, and participate in a healthier open web.
June 9 – July 18, 2026
What is this about?
A Hackathon for the Open Web
The web is increasingly controlled by a handful of corporations. We're building the alternative.
Own Your Data
Build tools that let people export, control, and truly own their personal data. No more platform lock-in.
Connect Everything
Create bridges between services and protocols so the open web can actually work together.
Build for Everyone
Make open-source alternatives that real people — not just developers — can actually use.
The Challenge
Your data, your social connections, your creative work — all locked inside platforms that can change the rules whenever they want. We believe it doesn't have to be this way.
Build tools that give people real choices: to migrate, to self-host, to own what's theirs.
Challenge Tracks
Choose Your Track
Pick a track that matches your interests. Each one addresses a different facet of the open web.
Grandma-friendly Replacement
Open-source alternatives to everyday tools, designed for real people. Email, messaging, photo sharing — usable without a CS degree.
Open Infrastructure Tooling
Self-hosting, deployment, server management. Make running your own infrastructure as easy as clicking "sign up."
CLI Tools
Command-line utilities for the open-source ecosystem. Migration scripts, protocol tools, developer workflows.
Data Ownership
Tools that help people export and migrate their data from centralized platforms. Make switching services painless.
How It Works
Three Steps to Shipping
Register
Sign up solo or with a team of up to 4. All skill levels welcome.
Build
Choose a track, pick a problem, and start hacking. Mentors and resources available throughout.
Submit
Present your project to judges and the community. Ship something real.
Ecosystem
Technologies to Explore
Get inspired by these open protocols and tools. Use them as building blocks for your project.
Matrix
Decentralized, end-to-end encrypted communication protocol.
ActivityPub
The protocol powering Mastodon and the fediverse.
ATProto
Bluesky's open protocol for social networking.
OpenStreetMap
The Wikipedia of maps. Community-built, open data.
PeerTube
Federated video hosting. YouTube without the platform.
Nextcloud
Self-hosted productivity. Files, calendar, contacts — yours.
Timeline
Key Dates
Jun 9
Registration Opens
Sign up individually or as a team.
Jun 16
Opening Ceremony
Kickoff event with track introductions and team forming.
Jun 16 – Jul 10
Hacking Period
Build your project with mentor support and workshops.
Jul 10
Submissions Due
Submit your project, documentation, and demo.
Jul 14–16
Judging
Projects reviewed by open source maintainers and community leaders.
Jul 18
Closing Ceremony
Winners announced and community showcase.
Judging
How Projects Are Evaluated
Impact & Usefulness
Does it solve a real problem for real people?
Technical Quality
Is the code clean, functional, and well-documented?
Openness
Can others contribute, fork, and build on this project?
Creativity
Does it approach the problem in a fresh, interesting way?
Why This Matters
More Than a Competition
This hackathon isn't about building the next startup. It's about building the tools and infrastructure that make the internet work better for everyone.
Join a community of builders who believe the web should be open, interoperable, and owned by its users — not controlled by a handful of corporations.
Prizes
Recognition, Not the Point
Prizes are nice, but the real reward is shipping something useful.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Build a Better Web?
Join builders working on practical tools for digital ownership and the open web.